#slushtrail

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 78

The Clan collectively celebrates Weedfoot as everyone finds a way to move on. Potterypool, Wolfgaze, Currentsmoke, and Yarrowclaw join their littermates in the warrior’s den.

[Image ID: Potterypool, Wolfgaze, Currentsmoke, and Yarrowclaw are adults and graduates. Under Potterypool, it says LEVEL UP! POTTERYPAW → POTTERYPOOL, INSECURE → SNEAKY, LOVES TO SING → GREAT SINGER. Under Wolfgaze, it says LEVEL UP! WOLFPAW → WOLFGAZE, CURIOUS ABOUT STARCLAN → CONNECTION WITH STARCLAN, CONFIDENT WITH WORDS → GOOD SPEAKER. Under Currentsmoke, it says LEVEL UP! CURRENTPAW → CURRENTSMOKE, CONSTANTLY CLIMBING → GOOD CLIMBER, HAS LOTS OF IDEAS → SKILLED TOOLSMITH. Under Yarrowclaw, it says LEVEL UP! YARROWPAW → YARROWCLAW, THOUGHTFUL → COLD, STARES AT FIRE → TALENTED FIRE-STARTER.]

"Wolfgaze… Wolfgaze… Wolfgaze, Wolfgaze, Wolfgaze!"

"I'm still awake, I promise," Wolfgaze yelped, blinking wildly and shaking the exhaustion from her thick fur. Thank StarClan she didn't fall over. She'd claimed a spot on the Resting Place immediately after her ceremony, providing a great vantage over the camp. Yet the lulling waves behind her and the empty, clouded sky above were the perfect recipe for a long nap. Weevilpaw stood with her front paws on the log, her entire body standing straight with excitement.

"Downstar said I could fetch you," Weevilpaw chirped. "You made it! Your codekeeper's vigil! How did it feel?"

"Long," Wolfgaze yawned. She stumbled off the Resting Place, licking her lips. "Where are the others?" Potterypool, Currentsmoke, and Yarrowclaw had been sitting outside the camp the last time Wolfgaze looked. Now the entrance was barren, all thorns, brambles, and stones.

"They already fell back into camp," Weevilpaw chuckled. "Currentsmoke was so tired, I thought he would fall on his face!"

"I'm ready to see my graduation gift," Wolfgaze sighed as Weevilpaw rubbed against her. The tortoiseshell cleric helped her sister into camp, laughing as Wolfgaze's eyes drifted shut. With the sun peeking over the sea, Wolfgaze expected the Clan to set out for the day's patrols, but to her surprise, she found most of RippleClan gathered in the center of camp. Downstar sat on the Shiprock, gazing down at the activities below her. Potterypool, Currentsmoke, and Yarrowclaw stood at the edge of the crowd, trying to see what caught their kin's attention.

"What's going on?" Wolfgaze asked, morning clarity clearing her thoughts. She and Weevilpaw joined the newly graduated cats, who were all largely ignored by the rest of the Clan.

"The artisans are doing something," Yarrowclaw explained.

"I think it has something to do with that big chunk of wood they brought in last night," Currentsmoke pointed out. "Remember? Elmsprout and the artisans pulled the sled out and came back to camp with a huge piece!"

"It was a slow night, Currentsmoke," Potterypool hummed, gently nudging her friend. "I think she remembers." Wolfgaze did not, in fact, remember, but she pretended she did.

Wolfgaze braced herself and squeezed between Splashtuft and Wildclaw. She weaved around her Clanmates until she broke into the center of the circle. Mitespark, Elmsprout, Rabbitjoy, and Rattlepelt stood around a wooden sculpture. Ravenpaw sat near them, listening carefully as Rattlepelt explained what they were doing. They picked at the wood with their claws, their teeth, and a few specialized tools; sharp stone picks that could be wrapped around the paw with leather straps, perfect for detailed work on pottery and woodwork. Elmsprout was the first to notice Wolfgaze.

"Wolfgaze!" she called, gently stepping back from the sculpture. "You finished your vigil! Congratulations! Your sisters made your nest in the warrior's den. I'm certain you'll like their gift."

"What are you doing, though?" Wolfgaze asked.

"Oh, that's right, no one told you," Elmsprout gasped softly. "Mitespark, let her see!" Mitespark carefully pulled her carving pick from the wood's surface and moved to the side. It was a bust, a cat's face from the tip of their ears to their collarbone. They were a smooth-faced cat with round features, shaped almost like a triangle sitting on its tip.

"We debated whether to carve in her stripes or paint them," Rabbitjoy explained, "but I think we're going to paint them."

"Is this someone I'm supposed to recognize?" Wolfgaze asked.

"We carved it from memory," Mitespark admitted, "but imagine gray fur and deep blue eyes…"

"Weedfoot!" Wolfgaze suddenly gasped. "You carved Weedfoot's face?"

"James and Scaleripple are making paint for her," Rattlepelt explained. "We told James he could rest and enjoy the finished product, but I guess he wanted to lend a paw for once."

"But why carve Weedfoot?" Wolfgaze asked, glancing at the crowd. "Why is everyone so excited?"

"A Clan's leader and deputy carry all of us on their backs," Rabbitjoy said, brushing against the newly named codekeeper. "They affect all of us, and we all grieve them when they pass. It's a part of our history fading away. The whole camp was up last night sharing memories of Weedfoot, and Paleseed came up with this idea. We're thinking of doing the same for future leaders and deputies after they pass."

"We'll find a place to store them where the paint won't decay," Rattlepelt promised.

"It will be lovely," Wolfgaze purred. A yawn slipped through her words, despite her efforts to hold it back.

"It will still be here when you wake up," Mitespark laughed. "Go to sleep!" Wolfgaze bowed her head, her exhaustion flooding back with Mitespark's simple order. She moved back through the crowd, who passed along a few more congratulations.

"Wolfgaze!" Billowhaze stepped out of the swarm just as Wolfgaze breached the horde. His whiskers twitched in casual mirth. "Anchovy and I are planning abig battle-training session with Estherfern's litter this evening. You should join us! With all the Spirits of Shadow out there, those five could practice against that stare of yours."

"I'm not sure," Wolfgaze gulped, her ears suddenly growing hot under Billowhaze's charming stare. "It might be too dangerous to leave camp just for a training session. With what happened to Silverpaw…" Silverpaw should have been sitting vigil with Wolfgaze that night. Wolfgaze shouldn't have had to spend those long moments wondering what happened to her sister, what Spirit of Shadow pulled her under, never to be seen again.

"That's why training will be good for them," Billowhaze insisted. "We can even bring Weevilpaw along if that makes you feel better. The Spirits of Shadow wouldn't match claws with our three star-blessed warriors, would they?" Billowhaze winked and turned back to Weedfoot's bust, trying to gaze upon the former deputy's face. Even through the chaos of recent moons and the overpowering desire to sleep, Wolfgaze still felt her heart flutter at Billowhaze's stare.

It seemed her life as a codekeeper was off to a good start.

(Weevilpaw: 13, female, cleric apprentice, adventurous, curious about StarClan)

(Wolfgaze: 13, female, codekeeper, thoughtful, connection to StarClan, good speaker)

(Yarrowclaw: 13, female, warrior, cold, talented fire-starter)

(Currentsmoke: 13, male, caretaker, loving, good climber, skilled toolsmith)

(Potterypool: 13, female, caretaker, sneaky, great singer)

(Elmsprout: 45, female, caretaker, charismatic, helpful insight)

(Rabbitjoy: 115, female, artisan, charismatic, master weaver)

(Mitespark: 20, female, artisan, charismatic, great mediator)

(Rattlepelt: 61, female, artisan, thoughtful, leather artist)

(Billowhaze: 13, male, historian, loyal, good kitsitter)

Boughpaw found a forget-me-not flower growing in the frost and decided to keep it.

[Image ID: Boughpaw now wears a forget-me-not flower. Under her, it reads + ACCESSORY: FORGET-ME-NOTS.]

(Boughpaw: 10, female, historian apprentice, righteous, constantly climbing)

While collecting samples of ichor for a banishing ritual with Estherfern, Anchovystrike, and Mosspounce, Foampaw swears she hears Shrewkit crying in the distance. When she and Mosspounce go to investigate, only Mosspounce returns alive with horrified tales of a manykit and a new spirit composed of frost-covered leaves.

[Image ID: Foampaw is a StarClan spirit.]

(Foampaw: 10, female, caretaker apprentice, troublesome, always wandering)

Slushtrail spends time with her family.

[Image ID: Tallowheart, Oilstripe, Slushtrail, Shrewkit, Carnationspeckle, Rattlepelt, and Wildclaw gather together.]

---

Slushtrail knew, as soon as Downstar ordered everyone to stay in camp unless absolutely necessary, Longest Night would truly be a long, long night.

Three torches sat before the main bonfire, separate from the other memorials. A withered dandelion sat in front of the tallest. A silver stone necklace hung from the second. Salt crusted the base of the third, dipped in sea foam. It was a lot like the Longest Night Slushtrail remembered from her kithood. The artisans danced and sang, the historians told stories, the caretakers prepared a late night meal. The fire still roared against the never-ending night, a refusal to bow to the cold and decay. Slushtrail could tell, however, that it hurt some of her Clanmates to keep up the fight. Estherfern ranted to her remaining kits, relaying all she had learned in those last few moons about the Spirits of Shadow and their dangers. Mosspounce laughed a bit too loud at one of Lemmy's comments. Lavendertwist sang just loud enough to hurt Slushtrail's ears. Rattlepelt fought to keep Ravenpaw's attention, trying to demonstrate a special dance. RippleClan was clawing at the edge of a cliff, trying to pull themselves back up, unable to think anything but "it will be okay" when their hearts spoke the opposite.

Honeybuzz brushed his tail against Estherfern's shoulder mid-rant. She paused, and Slushtrail could see Estherfern's breath catch and fog around her. She touched her nose to each of her kits and followed Honeybuzz to the side, where Troutpool and Weevilpaw waited. Slushtrail couldn't hear them, but they sat close and carried torches in their eyes. Best to leave them be for now.

The rest of Slushtrail's family sat in front of the nursery. Tallowheart worked with Oilstripe on an old story; a great war between WheatClan and SlugClan and a friendship that healed their wounds. Carnationspeckle listened closely with Rattlepelt and Wildclaw while Shrewkit hid under Rattlepelt's fox pelt, shivering. With one more look over the rest of the Clan, Slushtrail joined her mothers and siblings.

"How do you like Longest Night, Shrewkit?" Slushtrail asked.

"I don't like the cold," he huffed, pulling his face under the fox pelt. "My mom's probably freezing her flank off tonight."

"I'm sure wherever your birth mother is," Carnationspeckle sighed, lifting the kit's cover away, "she's just happy you're growing up somewhere safe and warm. Can I warm you up?" Shrewkit nodded and crawled closer to his grandmother. Carnationspeckle licked Shrewkit's fur the wrong way, warming his blood.

"So can leaders really give cats whole new names?" Shrewkit asked, turning to Tallowheart and Oilstripe. "Like the warrior in your story?"

"I'm a living example of that!" Wildclaw chirped, gently bunting her son. "Have we told you I used to called Graythroat? Downstar gave me a new name because of how fiercely I defend RippleClan."

"More like because you have a death wish," Oilstripe chuckled. Tallowheart hid a snicker.

"I've outgrown it!" Wildclaw insisted with a laugh.

"Mostly," Rattlepelt hummed, rolling her eyes. Wildclaw batted her mate's muzzle, and Shrewkit laughed.

"Well I never want to lose my name," Shrewkit declared. "My mom named me Shrew, and that's who I'll be, forever. The kit part is extra." When he sat taller, he nearly head-butted Carnationspeckle's jaw into her skull.

"It works well for you," Slushtrail purred.

And for that night, everything was alright.

(Slushtrail: 14, female, mediator, wise, clever, talented weaver)

(Shrewkit: 2, male, kit, bossy, never sits still)

(Carnationspeckle: 80, female, caretaker, compassionate, fish-like swimmer)

(Wildclaw: 70, female, caretaker, fierce, trusted advisor, good fighter)

(Oilstripe: 82, female, deputy, charismatic, ghost speaker)

(Rattlepelt: 61, female, artisan, thoughtful, leather artist)

(Tallowheart: 14, male, historian, nervous, good swimmer)

Troutpool hopes Trumpetspore notices her.

[Image ID: Troutpool stares at Trumpetspore.]

---

Troutpool stared at Trumpetspore from the medicine den as Trumpetspore and Brightpaw showed Shrewkit how to perform a hunter's crouch. There wasn't a lot of room to practice, since almost everyone was in camp, safe under the divine protection Troutpool and her peers summoned. It was the same protective ritual they performed during Harvest Moon. The clerics could only pray it would guard the Clan long enough for them to strike back against the Spirits of Shadow. Yet despite her chronic fear of them, Trumpetspore proved more confident in Troutpool's rituals than the cream cleric was.

"Keep your flank a little lower," Trumpetspore said, nudging Shrewkit's high flank down. "You're doing well." Troutpool didn't care if others laughed at Trumpetspore's nervousness or groaned at her panic. There was a keen-eyed warrior under that blanket of anxiety; a warrior Troutpool wanted to know more. Troutpool's eyes softened as she watched the black warrior move with such ease between Shrewkit and Brightpaw, eager to train despite the danger.

"You're staring." Troutpool startled a bit. Scaleripple stood outside the den, expressionless. He held a paw to his chest. A large thorn jutted out from his pads.

"I was just marveling at how well Shrewkit's adapted to Clan life," Troutpool stammered with a lick of her chest. "Here, that thorn looks awful, I'll help you get it out." That was obviously why Scaleripple was there, why did Troutpool have to say it like that?

Troutpool led Scaleripple into the shadow of the den. She grabbed a few cobwebs from the shelves (no need to waste a bandage on a simple thorn). She held Scaleripple's paw out and gripped the thorn between her teeth.

"You were staring at Trumpetspore," Scaleripple said right as Troutpool ripped the thorn out of his paw. Scaleripple hissed and licked the fresh flowing blood. Troutpool moved his paw back down and placed cobwebs on the small wound.

"Stay here for a while, and keep your paw off the sand," Troutpool said. "I'll take the cobwebs off soon. A wound that size will close quickly." Troutpool licked a strand of cobweb off her paws. Scaleripple stared at her, barely blinking. Did he want to talk about Trumpetspore? Well, if he did, he could just ask. Troutpool had no reason to be embarrassed by it. "You know Trumpetspore well. If I were to ask her on a date—"

"No," Scaleripple said so suddenly that Troutpool once again startled. They both stared at each other, one confused, the other certain in an unknowable, detached way. No? What did Scaleripple mean by 'no'? He wasn't Trumpetspore's mentor. Troutpool didn't need his permission! She must not have been able to hide her thoughts as well as Scaleripple did, for the gold and white warrior continued. "You told Trumpetspore her littermate was an omen. Why would she be your mate?"

"Scaleripple," Troutpool huffed, finding what little confidence she possessed and hardening her voice. "I only reported StarClan's sign. I didn't want to make Tempestshade's life hard. I revealed it at their trial because I didn't want them to be found guilty of murder."

"Instead you made everyone avoid them," Scaleripple said. He glanced at his bandaged paw with a soft huff. He tore off the red-stained cobweb and spat the wad onto the middle of the floor. "So, no. You don't get to ask Trumpetspore on a date. You don't deserve that." Scaleripple licked his paw once more and walked out of the den. It didn't seem to matter that he left Troutpool spinning, a dormant pressure rising in her chest. No, Scaleripple sauntered back into the packed clearing like nothing had happened.

According to him, nothing else should happen.

(Troutpool: 39, female, cleric, insecure, ghost sense)

(Trumpetspore: 39, female, warrior, nervous, excellent potter, good storyteller)

(Scaleripple: 31, male, warrior, lonesome, formidable fighter)

RippleClan prepares a ritual to fight back against the Spirit hordes.

[Image ID: Troutpool, Honeybuzz, and Weevilpaw stand in a circle around Estherfern. Anchovystrike, Wolfgaze, Oilstripe, and Scaleripple watch from the sides.]

---

In Estherfern's faith, there was her God, who did His best to watch over her home, but there were also the Six Predators. The Wolf, The Fox, The Owl, The Hawk, The Rat, The Cougar. These vengeful, vindictive deities loved to toy with catkind, so Estherfern's home developed a dozen ways to combat their influence. Somewhere in the back of her heart, Estherfern wondered if they were the ones who tormented the souls of the Dark Forest, who gave birth to the Spirits of Shadow. Maybe they were the ones to kill Foampaw. Maybe they were laughing somewhere, saying "Look at Esther. Stepping above her station, making friends with the damned. Shouldn't she have known better? It's so fun to watch her destroy her family."

That night, Estherfern would spit in the faces of the Six Predators, of the Spirits of Shadow, of everything supernatural that roamed her new home, because no one got away with hurting her kits. Not even her.

"Estherfern, we don't have to tell anyone," Honeybuzz whispered as the procession trailed toward the beach. Honeybuzz and Estherfern kept to the back of the group, carrying baskets of supplies. Troutpool walked inside a circle composed of Weevilpaw, Anchovystrike, and Wolfgaze. Oilstripe and Scaleripple kept a sharp eye for strange shadows, ready to fight and protect the untrained clerics.

"What sort of justice would that be?" Estherfern huffed.

"The sort that keeps the peace," Honeybuzz said.

"Peace built on lies is no peace at all," Estherfern sighed. "When this is done… we're telling the Clan. May your ancestors and my God forgive me." Estherfern stared at the clouded sky. If StarClan was as strong as her Clanmates claimed, their presence would not be dulled by simple clouds hiding Silverpelt from view.

As the patrol approached the beach, it began to snow. Flakes danced on Estherfern's nose. Wolfgaze rubbed her fluffy pelt against her sister's thin fur as Weevilpaw shivered. Honeybuzz ran into the thicker circle of cats, quietly begging for extra warmth. Estherfern soaked in the cold. The cold meant she was alive. She was free. It was this freedom she sought to protect ever since she escaped the cat-minded human. Yet in seeing her kits as imprisoned in their bodies, had she not denied them freedom? Whenever she spoke with Wolverinepaw, the long-furred duplicate of Estherfern still stared a bit too hard. Thunderpaw still didn't ask Estherfern to repeat herself if she didn't catch what she said. Brightpaw squirmed in Estherfern's company, and Boughpaw stayed silent, forgotten in her normalcy. The truth would be the only thing that could fix their bonds, even if it destroyed them in the process.

"This is the place," Troutpool finally said. The patrol stood where the river met the ocean, dissolving into branches. Sand melted into mud and clay. A salt pool sat in the sand, the artisan's precious system to separate out the water and harvest the pure white crystals. The sea was nothing more than churning shadow. Estherfern and Honeybuzz set their baskets down.

"StarClan is watching," Oilstripe whispered, head spinning. "There are so many cats. I see Mousesong, and Weedfoot, Silverpaw… Estherfern, Foampaw is here." Estherfern steadied herself. She swallowed the rock in her throat.

"This is for you, Silverpaw!" Wolfgaze called into the dark, still pressed against Weevilpaw.

"They aren't saying anything," Oilstripe said. "I think they're just bearing witness."

"Foampaw, forgive me," Estherfern whispered.

"Oilstripe, Anchovystrike, Wolfgaze, Scaleripple," Honeybuzz said, taking dry mushrooms out of his basket, "you'll patrol around us while we work. Anchovystrike, how do we look?"

"There's ichor everywhere," Anchovystrike groaned, sneering at the sand. "The spirits roam the entire territory."

"It shouldn't be hard to draw them in," Weevilpaw huffed, standing taller. "I'll call out if I predict any of them attacking."

"This will take some time, so stay alert," Honeybuzz said. "Weevilpaw, help me build this side of the circle. Troutpool, Estherfern, take the other half." Estherfern gently grabbed a mouthful of mushrooms, which grew damp in the snow, and started on her side of the circle.

The circle would be far bigger than the one in Estherfern's cursed den. Yes, it was similar to that original circle, composed of the same mushrooms that connected the living world to the Dark Forest. Yet here, the design was not based on those damned traditions, but Estherfern's faith. While the mushrooms formed the curves of the circle, rather than filling the interior with an herbal sludge, Estherfern's basket held a purer replacement; the spirit-rebelling charms from Harvest Moon. In Estherfern's home, the charms would have had the gentle face of God, with tufts of fur representing each of the Six Predators replacing the mushrooms.

"Is this safe?" Scaleripple asked. He sat in the branches of a chokecherry, carefully watching the shore.

"We're summoning Spirits of Shadow and sending them back to the Dark Forest," Weevilpaw scoffed as she set down a few more charms. "There's a lot of risk involved here. But it's what we have to do if we have any hope to get rid of them all."

"I don't mean the spirits," Scaleripple said softly. "These gods that Estherfern fears… are they real?"

"Of course they are," Estherfern snapped, almost knocking a mushroom out of its place. "They may not dwell over your lands, but they dwell over mine."

"What if we summon both the spirits…" Scaleripple said, "and your Predators?" Estherfern's paw clenched over a charm. Was the white-speckled warrior right? Estherfern knew so many tales of the Six Predators and the way they destroyed lives. They did not need to feed, they did not have that excuse for their mayhem. It was fun for them. They spread their domains with no care for each other or any living creature. Was Estherfern repeating her earlier mistakes? Was she, in her effort to fix one problem, inviting something far worse?

"Esther," Honeybuzz said. He met Estherfern's eyes from the other side of the circle. He set the last mushroom in its place. "It's our best option. There are too many." Estherfern nodded. She settled the last of her charms in the circle and turned to Troutpool. The head cleric nodded in return.

"Everyone, stay back, and stay quiet," Troutpool called as Estherfern stepped into the circle. "Honeybuzz, Weevilpaw, are you ready?"

"I'm not a very good singer," Weevilpaw chuckled. She rubbed snow out of her eyes and settled at the edge of the circle.

"You don't have to be," Estherfern said. "Just say the names clearly."

"I've never heard names like these," Troutpool muttered, tucking her tail over her paws.

"You wouldn't have," Estherfern said with a flick of an ear.

Weevilpaw, Honeybuzz, and Troutpool sat equal distance from one another, poised outside the circle. Scaleripple jumped out of the tree and joined Oilstripe. Wolfgaze and Anchovystrike lingered near Weevilpaw. Snow dusted the mushrooms and charms.

"The ichor isn't happy, I can already tell," Anchovystrike muttered. Wolfgaze put her tail to his muzzle.

"Predators of the Great Glowing Lands," Estherfern yowled into the snowy night. "We bind you to this place with your true names!" The four clerics closed their eyes. The song came naturally to Estherfern, embedded into her very being. It wasn't hard to teach it to her compatriots.

Luponthoth

Vulpo Thun

Strigart

But-oro

Rapendazera

Punai'kema

The gentle voices of the clerics rose through the snow in a soft, yet tense melody, like bird song. Estherfern dropped out of the song and opened her eyes. Oilstripe and Anchovystrike's hackles rose, their heads bouncing to sights only they could see.

As Honeybuzz, Troutpool, and Weevilpaw carried on the song, Estherfern yowled, "We know of your appetites! We know of your boredom! This land is filled with wicked spirits! We have formed their path to safety, and they'll think they can escape. Have fun!"

The cleric's song cut off as a violent gush of wind battered their voices, flinging snow into their eyes. Wolfgaze yowled, bracing herself against Anchovystrike. The leaves that decorated Oilstripe's pelt flew off. Estherfern's heart raced as the snow bit her nose. Yet a few moments later, the wind receded. Estherfern breathed deep. Scaleripple shook out his pelt while Honeybuzz shivered. The humming ocean made Estherfern's ears ring.

"Stay where you are," Estherfern warned her companions. Her fur spiked when a sudden realization washed over her. "Anchovystrike, close your eyes."

"Why?" Anchovystrike asked.

"Foxdung!" Weevilpaw suddenly cried, jumping with her back arched. "They're… from the forest! Watch out!"

"Anchovystrike," Estherfern yowled as something tumbled through the trees, "you see the unseen influence of the supernatural. If you see the Predators as they really are, you will go mad! Now close your eyes!" Anchovystrike obeyed just in time.

Terrified howls echoed through the forest. Black sludge dripped from the grass onto the sand. It tumbled faster and faster like a newly formed river, racing toward the circle. Oilstripe and Scaleripple scrambled back as the ichor slammed into the circle. It launched at Estherfern with a steaming, bubbling sound. Estherfern held her ground. The ichor plunged into the sand around her like a fox leaping into snow. It stained the sand black and burrowed deep, deep, deep.

Then the monsters came. They howled and shrieked and cauterwauled, running through the trees as fast as they could. There were darkhounds, thundering along with massive paws and bloody jaws, yipping like pups. There was forsaken prey, decayed and rotten yet moving and squealing just as they did in their final moments. Leatherwaste flopped and flew about, and something new, something without a proper name, some storm-spun bundle of dull brown leaves and glistening frost, slithered toward the circle.

"Stay down!" Weevilpaw yowled, belly dropping to the sand. All except Estherfern mimicked the cleric apprentice. The Spirits of Shadow raced alongside the trail of ichor and into the circle. They dug and clawed at the sand, following their lifeblood back into the depths. But they were the lucky ones.

Estherfern could not see them, but she could see their power unfold. Unseen talons snatched spirits by their backs and flung them into the sky. Eager, invisible jaws snapped and bit into the sticky flesh of the spirits. Something dragged unlucky spirits into the shadows, screaming. They sank into the earth before they reached the circle. They dissolved into steaming piles of ichor with torturous wails.

The world went white. The loudest, strongest clap of thunder Estherfern had ever heard reverberated through her skeleton and stayed singing in her ears. She couldn't see, she couldn't hear. Her skin buzzed. In a moment of clarity tucked within the chaos, Estherfern wondered if this is what her kits felt. A path without sight, without sound, heart pushing out of your chest, is a blessing compared to the fate that awaits the rot.

It took some time for Estherfern's vision to clear. She and her Clanmates were still standing, unharmed. The ichor and spirits were gone. There was no sign they had been there at all, save for a few mushrooms missing from the circle. The other cats groaned, rubbing their ears and eyes. They were alive. The spirits had left RippleClan.

Something drew Estherfern's gaze up. Clear shapes formed within the clouds, backed by a pale glow. Each cloud looked perfectly like its subject; a wolf, a fox, an owl, a hawk, a rat, and a cougar. Where their eyes would have been were balls of lightning, sparking and dancing, glaring down at the Clans in hunger.

The creatures of the glowing sky do not rule this land, but visitors cannot be denied. The stars shall extend their power, and the beasts shall fill their bellies. So it has been for you, so it shall be for all.

"Foampaw?" Estherfern gulped, barely capable of hearing herself.

"Can I open my eyes now?" Anchovystrike gulped. He still had his paws over his face.

"They're gone!" Weevilpaw cried. She ran into the circle and plowed into Estherfern. The old molly looked back to the clouds, but they were now a simple sheet of gray against black. Honeybuzz and Troutpool joined them, pressing against Estherfern.

"Is StarClan still watching over us?" Wolfgaze asked, hopping into the circle.

"They left when the ritual began," Oilstripe stammered, staring across the river, "but they've returned. They're watching from afar. I can't tell what they're thinking."

"They're on our side," Honeybuzz promised, waving the others into the circle. "I petitioned them myself at the last half-moon. We wouldn't have done this if StarClan disapproved."

"They may not have disapproved," Estherfern muttered, "but that does not mean they are proud."

"I think they are!" Troutpool chirped. "It was scary, but we've banished the spirits. We can walk our lands freely again. We wouldn't have saved the Clan without you, Estherfern." Troutpool nuzzled Estherfern, but the old molly still stared at the clouds.

"I don't understand you, StarClan," she whispered, not caring whether the cats pressed into her overheard. "You ask my God to send me here, you stand by while I summon your enemies, you allow me to draw the gaze of something far worse on your descendants. Why?" The stars shall extend their power… the voice in Estherfern's head had been as clear as when Foampaw last stood by Estherfern's side. Was it somehow better for the Clans to attract the attention of the Six Predators? Was it an earnest decision, made for the betterment of the five Clans? Did StarClan desire more power, more control, more souls?

Estherfern sighed. She would find no answers that night. She would be the one providing answers soon enough.

(Estherfern: 112, female, cleric, bloodthirsty, great mediator, prophecy seeker)

(Honeybuzz: 26, male, cleric, daring, skilled toolsmith, good teacher)

(Troutpool: 39, female, cleric, insecure, ghost sense)

(Oilstripe: 82, female, deputy, charismatic, ghost speaker)

(Wolfgaze: 13, female, codekeeper, thoughtful, connection to StarClan, good speaker)

(Anchovystrike: 13, male, warrior, playful, deep StarClan bond)

(Weevilpaw: 13, female, cleric apprentice, adventurous, curious about StarClan)

(Scaleripple: 31, male, warrior, lonesome, formidable fighter)

(Foampaw: 10, female, caretaker apprentice, troublesome, always wandering)

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 84

Elmsprout and Lavendertwist welcome two kits into the world.

[Image ID: Elmsprout and Lavendertwist face two newborn kits; a ginger and white kit, and a pale silver kit with a few white markings. Under Elmsprout, it says - CONDITION: PREGNANT, + CONDITION: RECOVERING FROM BIRTH. Under the ginger kit, it says NEW PLAYER: GINGERKIT, 0, MALE, CHARMING. Under the silver kit, it says NEW PLAYER: FROSTKIT, 0, FEMALE, QUIET.]

(Elmsprout: 51, female, caretaker, charismatic, trusted advisor)

(Lavendertwist: 50, male, historian, playful, great singer, good storyteller)

(Gingerkit: 0, male, kit, charming)

(Frostkit: 0, female, kit, quiet)

Currentsmoke expresses his concern about Yarrowclaw's recent behavior.

[Image ID: Mosspounce, Wolfgaze, Sandhollow, Weevilsight, and Anchovystrike run in a patrol, with Mosspounce calling "Yarrowclaw, get off the horse-path." Under Weevilsight, it says - INFECTION.]

---

Anchovystrike couldn't really share tongues with his brother, not like he wished he could. After all, Currentsmoke couldn't groom him back. It didn't help that the thick wound across Currentsmoke's face was still infected, covered in oozing concoctions. Weevilsight said the infections came and went, but to Anchovystrike, it all seemed like one big, continous disease. Yet that didn't matter. Injured or not, Currentsmoke was going to enjoy the anniversary celebration with the rest of RippleClan, basking in the sunhigh glow.

Most of the Clan was busy around Elmsprout and Lavendertwist. They had just given their litter of two, Frostkit and Gingerkit, their names, and everyone wanted to show the two tiny kittens what the warm sand and cool sea felt like. Meanwhile, the artisans and caretakers used some of RippleClan's precious salt to season enough prey for everyone. Anchovystrike and Weevilsight shared a woodpecker while Weevilsight helped Currentsmoke drink some salty, herb-soaked broth. The three cats basked in the summer sunshine, content with their meals.

"You know, Currentsmoke," Weevilsight sighed, nestling into the sand, "if you end up with a big scar from this, you won't be alone. Most of my tail has healed, but fighting that infection left a lot of the skin raw." Weevilsight showed off her tail, which no longer sported any bandages, as it had over the last few moons. Yet the skin was still pink and raw, irritated from exposure to other cats' diseases. The scarring ran across her ginger and black fur like new tortoiseshell markings. Had Weevilsight been a warrior, it would have been a mark of beauty.

"I duhn't care ah-out scars," Currentsmoke grumbled. "I just 'anna li'eh."

"You're not dying on us," Anchovystrike huffed, shoving Currentsmoke's shoulder. "You've got four clerics looking after you, and you've got me, Billowhaze, and Yarrowclaw keeping you busy. You're the best of us, Current. You're not going anywhere anytime soon." Currentsmoke purred and gently bunted heads with his brother, making sure not to touch his wounds. The supernatural glimmer in Weevilsight's pelt glowed brighter at the sight, and Anchovystrike purred just a bit harder. Yet as Anchovystrike dug into his share of the woodpecker, Currentsmoke tensed. Anchovystrike could feel Currentsmoke's tired muscles harden as he rested against him.

"More pain, Currentsmoke?" Weevilsight asked. She sniffed at Currentsmoke's jaw.

"Nuh," Currentsmoke mumbled. He scanned the happy crowd trapsing through the sand and salt water. Anchovystrike followed his gaze, unsure what he was looking for. "Souh'ing's wruhng 'ith Yarr'acla'ah."

"Yarrowclaw?" Anchovystrike clarified.

"She has been a little strange the last few moons," Weevilsight admitted. "Did you hear about her hunting patrol last moon?"

"She's been overworking herself, I know," Anchovystrike huffed. "But she realizes it eventually. She just gets into these moods lately."

"It's muhre than that," Currentsmoke insisted. The injured tom groaned and slowly pushed himself to his paws. His legs shook, his body's battle with his injuries draining too much strength from him to stay up for long. "She's nuh't here. Souh'ing's wruhng." Weevilsight pushed against Currentsmoke, making sure he didn't collapse. Currentsmoke tried to shake Weevilsight off, but hissed as the bandages restraining his jaw rubbed the wrong way.

Anchovystrike gave the anniversary celebration another look over. Was Yarrowclaw with Billowhaze? No, Billowhaze was joking with Wolfgaze and Ravenweaver over their own share of salty meat. Maybe she was spending time with her former mentor. No, that wasn't right either, Rapidleaf was talking through something with Estherfern, probably bonding over recent messages from StarClan or something of the sort. Yarrowclaw was close with Estherfern's litter, she was probably splashing through the water with them! And yet, no. Brightreed, Wolverineheart, Boughfur, and Thundergale were each busy with their own fun. Currentsmoke was right. Yarrowclaw wasn't at the anniversary celebration.

"Why do you think something is wrong?" Weevilsight asked, easing Currentsmoke back down.

"I heard her," Currentsmoke groaned. "She f'isited 'e. She didn't 'ake sense. She said she was going to cah'lete a rituh'al to cuh're 'e."

"To cure you?" Weevilsight muttered. "But we've said all the prayers we can think of. Estherfern even helped Honeybuzz commune with the Celestial of Broken Bones herself for extra advice and blessings. What could Yarrowclaw do?"

"She's in dang'ah!" Currentsmoke snapped. He tried to stand again, but his rising nerves worked in tamdem with his weakness and send him back into the sand.

"Rabbitjoy mentioned something about a ritual last moon," Anchovystrike realized. "That was why Yarrowclaw caught all that prey." Anchovystrike stood, shaking sand out of his fur. "You're right, Currentsmoke. I don't like this. I… I think I misunderstood what Yarrowclaw's been going through. We need to find her."

"I'm with you, Anchovy," Weevilsight promised, stretching. "I'm going to fetch Honeybuzz so he can look after Currentsmoke. Think you can put together a patrol?"

"Easily," Anchovystrike purred, nodding. He rubbed against Currentsmoke and said, "Don't worry, Current. We'll make sure Yarrowclaw is alright." Weevilsight and Anchovystrike crossed by each other, each focused on their goals. Anchovystrike wormed around his Clanmates, focused on Billowhaze, Wolfgaze, and Ravenweaver.

"Wolfgaze," Anchovystrike called as his friends and brother tried to fight off their giggles. "Can you join me for a bit? I need your help with something."

"What do you have to do that can't wait until after our celebration?" Ravenweaver asked, coughing to clear her laughter.

"Just…" Anchovystrike gulped, glancing at Billowhaze. "Call it a favor for a friend."

"You know I'd be happy to help," Wolfgaze said, getting to her paws. "Enjoy the rest of the meal for me, Billowhaze!"

"With pleasure," Billowhaze hummed, taking a huge bite out of the salted squirrel. Wolfgaze tucked her head and followed Anchovystrike.

"So you know," Anchovystrike chuckled, "we're going to talk about your interest in my brother later." Wolfgaze groaned softly, batting at her own red ears. "Right now though, I'm more interested in my sister. Can you go grab your dad and join me? I think Mosspounce could help a lot."

"Is something wrong with Yarrowclaw?" Wolfgaze asked, romantic embarassment fading.

"Just get your dad," Anchovystrike asked. Wolfgaze nodded and surged into the partying cats, calling for Mosspounce. Anchovystrike, meanwhile, headed for Sandhollow. The cream-tinted tom splashed through the water with Slushtrail and Tallowheart, the three of them squealing like kits. If Currentsmoke hadn't sounded so serious, Anchovystrike would have joined them in their fun.

"Sandhollow," Anchovystrike called. Sandhollow paused n his frolicking, just as Tallowheart's tail sent a wave of salt water into his face. Slushtrail and Tallowheart laughed as Sandhollow rubbed his eyes, trying to get the salt out.

"You two are so ridiculous," Sandhollow chuckled, stumbling out of the water. He shook out his pelt, spraying Anchovystrike. His fur stuck out like thorns. "Hi, Anchovystrike."

"Sandhollow, you've grown close to my sister since you graduated, haven't you?" Anchovystrike asked. "I've seen you spend time with her." Sandhollow's face darkened.

"Something's happened to her, hasn't it?" Sandhollow said.

"I don't know," Anchovystrike admitted as Slushtrail and Tallowheart waded onto the beach, the fun of the moment dead. "I want to make sure nothing does. We need to find her. Can you come with me?"

"Of course," Sandhollow huffed, giving himself a few quick licks to smooth his pelt.

"I should come too," Slushtrail said, sliding up to her fellow mediator.

"I think our little patrol is getting crowded, Slushtrail," Anchovystrike chuckled awkwardly.

"I can handle it, Slush," Sandhollow promised, side-eyeing Slushtrail.

"Is Yarrowclaw in danger or something?" Tallowheart asked.

"Or something, Tallowheart!" Anchovystrike snapped, making the young historian jump. "We just need to go, alright?" Tallowheart stepped back, nodding quickly and avoiding eye contact. Anchovystrike sighed, taking a deep breath. He would have time to apologize later. "Over here, Sandhollow." Sandhollow was at Anchovystrike's side with just a flick of the latter's tail. Slushtrail and Tallowheart watched on as the two toms jogged over to Weevilsight, Wolfgaze, and Mosspounce.

"What exactly is the problem here?" Mosspounce huffed as Anchovystrike and Sandhollow joined the patrol.

"We don't know all the details," Weevilsight sighed, her focused, glowing gaze resting on each Clanmate. "I think we've all noticed Yarrowclaw has had… a lot of busy days, lately. We're worried it's more than that. Currentsmoke thinks she's in danger, and I'm inclined to believe him."

"I'm not trying to undermine your worry, really," Mosspounce said, awkwardness twitching through his whiskers, "but as the oldest cat here, and I really hate that that's true, I should point out the obvious. Yarrowclaw's an adult. She's allowed to leave the party. Are you sure we need to track her down?"

"Currentsmoke knows cats," Anchovystrike huffed. "He's one of the most caring cats I know. He knows when something's wrong. He saw Yarrowclaw wasn't here and panicked. If he thinks we need to find her, we should find her."

"Wanted to make sure you were serious," Mosspounce assured him. "Now the other question… do we have any idea where she might be?"

"Let's check camp first," Wolfgaze suggested, jogging across the sand. "It might be that simple!" The patrol ran after Wolfgaze, sand sticking to their half-wet paws. They left behind the music and laughter of their Clan and ran toward their shipwreck home.

Carnationspeckle lounged at the entrance of camp, absent-minded in her guard duty, dozing off in the warm, almost blistering sun. She snapped to attention as the patrol hurried up to her, however.

"Are you all alright?" Carnationspeckle asked. "You look so serious. Did something happen?"

"We're alright, Carnationspeckle," Sandhollow promised, panting, "but is Yarrowclaw in camp? Did you see her?"

"She's not in camp," Carnationspeckle said, shaking her head, "but I did see her! She headed south a short time ago. Is she alright?"

"Keep your ears perked for us, would you Carnationspeckle?" Anchovystrike asked, paws carrying him to the shoreline. Weevilsight and Wolfgaze scrambled behind him.

"Anchovystrike, wait!" Carnationspeckle yowled, but Anchovystrike's focus was elsewhere.

Anchovystrike breathed deep as the lips of a heavy wave stretched to meet his paws. The salt stung his nose and blinded him to even the smell of Weevilsight beside him. Anchovystrike's chest tightened. Call it instinct, call it brotherly intuition, call it the power of the All-Seeing for all he cared, Anchovystrike's whole body screamed at him to find Yarrowclaw, right now.

"I smell her!" Wolfgaze cried, tail shooting up. She sniffed the sand, whiskers pooling Yarrowclaw's scent together and into a narrative in Wolfgaze's mind. The patrol gathered around her. The heat molded into Anchovystrike's anxiety, making his fur burn. "Carnationspeckle is right, she went south!"

"That's my kit," Mosspounce cheered, sniffing. "I got the scent too. We'll find her together. This way, you three!" Wolfgaze and Mosspounce ran along the sand and grass, hopping from scent bubble to scent bubble. Anchovystike, Weevilsight, and Sandhollow matched their pace.

Yarrowclaw's trail drifted from the cool shoreline into the speckled hills. There was no banter in this patrol, no breaks. Every cat stayed focused on the task ahead. They pushed through the mental haze of sunhigh and kept moving. They would find her. She hadn't gotten far. They just had to keep going. She'd be fine. She'd be fine.

"Anchovystrike." Sandhollow ran alongside Anchovystrike, who suddenly found his chest too tight and the air barely breaching his lungs. "Breathe. Don't pass out on us." Breathe. Yes, breathe. Anchovystrike forced the air into him like a drowning cat.

They heard Yarrowclaw before they saw her.

"I can hear them! I can hear the horses, Robin, thundering down and down and down the path, down the path to save him! Thundering hooves strike the ground, it's lightning, lightning in the sky, or is that my heart? Is my heart in their hooves? Smashed under their hooves? Robinkit, they're coming! They're coming! Strike me! Hit me! His pain to my pain, my pain to his, StarClan's will be done, but not with this, no no, not with Current! You can't take him, Robinkit! Not yet! And you're never taking me! Never!"

Yarrowclaw paced in the center of the horse-path. Her tail thrashed wildly, as though she was in the middle of a battle. She kicked up dust like a kit playing in the sand. She screeched down the path, good eye shifting in and out of focus. Anchovystrike could not hear any horses.

"Yarrowclaw, get off the horse-path," Mosspounce barked, charging toward the border. Anchovystrike, Weevilsight, Wolfgaze, and

"I'll be fine!" Yarrowclaw shrieked. Anchovystrike never heard such laughter in his sister's voice before. "It's for Current! It's for Current! It's my destiny, it's my purpose! They're almost here! Here, here, I hear them, they're deafening, they're here to hear me, they're here for me!" Yarrowclaw's laughter suffocated Anchovystrike. Yarrowclaw coughed, choking on her escasty. Her laughter dissolved into a death wail, the same frenzied expression stuck on her face. "Stop it! Stop the noise! Trample me already! Break it! Break my jaw! Don't take him! Don't take him!" Yarrowclaw stumbled, jaw smacking into the dry path.

"Freeze her!" Weevilsight wailed with a heartbreak Anchovystrike hadn't heard since that fateful day in the nursery. "Wolfgaze!"

At the same time, Yarrowclaw cried, pushing herself up, "I can't keep waiting! I have to take it from him!" Yarrowclaw wrenched her head back.

Suddenly, the world stood still. Yarrowclaw's guttural cries stopped with the blink of an eye. The wind stirred her dusty fur. Her sightless eye stared at Anchovystrike as the patrol finally reached the horse-path. Wolfgaze, too, was frozen, but her eyes, focused and terrified, stayed stuck on Yarrowclaw.

"Don't break my line of sight," Wolfgaze gulped as Anchovystrike and Sandhollow approached Yarrowclaw's supernaturally frozen form. "We've never moved someone when they're frozen, I don't know if we can."

"Just stop her," Weevilsight begged, hiding her face in her father's shoulder. "I hate this vision. Don't let it happen." Anchovystrike knew better than to pry into Weevilsight's darkest visions. He carefully walked behind Yarrowclaw and tucked himself under her head. With his head right up to Yarrowclaw's pelt, Anchovystrike could truly see Wolfgaze's power in action. There was a faint shimmering line surrounding Yarrowclaw's body. Anchovystrike could only see it if he focused, but the lines rippled like water and pressed against Yarrowclaw.

"We'll unfreeze her and get her off the horse-path," Sandhollow said, jaws close to Yarrowclaw's scruff. "Mosspounce, be ready to help us. I don't think she's going to go quietly." Wolfgaze swallowed hard.

As soon as Wolfgaze blinked, Yarrowclaw came to life. She swung her head down hard, but rather than hitting the hoof-hardened horse-path, her muzzle smacked into Anchovystrike's shoulder.

"No!" Yarrowclaw cried as Sandhollow grabbed her scruff. "No no no! He'll die! I'm the only one, I'm the only one that can save him, I'm the only one! I won't be hurt! I can't be hurt! No!" Sandhollow and Anchovystrike dragged Yarrowclaw off the horse-path. Yarrowclaw swung her claws at Anchovystrike's muzzle. She caught her brother's lip, sending a stream of blood trickling into Anchovystrike's mouth. Anchovystrike hissed and shoved Yarrowclaw onto the grass lining the horse-path. Mosspounce left his terrified daughter's side and stood on Yarrowclaw's shoulders. Anchovystrike stood on her flank.

"Yarrowclaw, can you hear me?" Sandhollow asked softly, crouching at the trapped molly's level. "Shh, you're safe, I promise."

"No, I have to go," Yarrowclaw cried, face as torn as the day she saw Robinkit and Harvest's bodies cooling in the nursery. "There's too much to do, I can't stay here, I have to go."

"There's nothing you need to do except breathe," Sandhollow assured her. "Weevilsight is going to find some herbs to calm your mind. It seems like there's a lot going on in there, am I right?"

"Currentsmoke's going to die unless I transfer his wounds to me," Yarrowclaw wailed. Her pinned claws dug up tufts of grass.

"Yarrowclaw, that kind of ritual doesn't exist," Mosspounce snapped. Yarrowclaw's chest heaved, ragged breaths morphing into sobs. "You have to snap out of it."

"Mosspounce, with all due respect," Sandhollow hissed quietly, suddenly at the caretaker's ear, "stop talking. Let the tom with mediator training use his training, alright?"

"How do we calm her down?" Mosspounce asked. Yarrowclaw kicked at Anchovystrike, but Anchovystrike laid on her hind legs. All Yarrowclaw could do was flex her claws helplessly.

"There's a patch of tall lettuce that loves to sprout near here," Weevilsight stammered. "That should help. I, I'll be right back!" Weevilsight scurried over the hills and through the trees, unable to stop her pelt from bristling.

Wolfgaze silently took over for Anchovystrike as Sandhollow whispered to Yarrowclaw, rubbing on the edges of her delusions. Anchovystrike laid beside Yarrowclaw rather than on top of her. Yet as he rested his head, something glimmered in the top of his vision.

Anchovystrike hadn't seen this strange sight since that moment in Downstar's den, coping with the sudden loss of his mother and brother. Soft streams of light flowed around Yarrowclaw and her captors like the glistening pawsteps of StarClan. Even against the shine of the midday sun, the light couldn't blind Anchovystrike. It pulled the weight out of his chest. Yarrowclaw sobbed deep, her whole body tensing. Then, she relaxed, deflating into her own unknowable misery.

"If that's you, Robinkit," Anchovystrike whispered, just quiet enough for him to hear, "thank you. And I'm sorry."

The ethereal light slithered around Yarrowclaw and dove sharply. It weaved into the back of the brown molly's head like a snake sliding into its hole. As it entered Yarrowclaw's body, the warrior sheathed her claws. Blades of grass stuck up between her toes. Sandhollow groomed Yarrowclaw's cheeks as Yarrowclaw sobbed and muttered a string of nonsense.

Anchovystrike wouldn't claim to understand what was wrong, or what needed to be done. But what he could do was groom his sister's fur and murmur gentle assurances.

(Anchovystrike: 19, male, warrior, playful, deep StarClan bond)

(Weevilsight: 19, female, cleric, daring, deep StarClan bond)

(Currentsmoke: 19, male, caretaker, loving, good climber, skilled toolsmith)

(Ravenweaver: 19, female, artisan, nervous, den builder, very clever)

(Wolfgaze: 19, female, codekeeper, thoughful, connection to StarClan, great speaker)

(Billowhaze: 19, male, historian, loyal, good kit-sitter)

(Sandhollow: 15, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Slushtrail: 20, female, mediator, wise, clever, talented weaver)

(Tallowheart: 20, male, historian, nervous, good swimmer)

(Mosspounce: 45, male, caretaker, adventurous, talented fire-starter)

(Carnationspeckle: 86, female, caretaker, compassionate, fish-like swimmer)

(Yarrowclaw: 19, female, warrior, cold, talented fire-starter)

[Image ID: Anchovystrike says to Sandhollow and Spikecrash "I’ve dealt with a lot for a cat my age. This is nothing in comparison. Yarrowclaw’s still the cocky, rough-as-salt molly I know. She’s still the cat I have fun with. She’s just got a few extra traits now." Yarrowclaw sits in the back. Under her, it reads + PERMANENT CONDITION: DAY-NIGHT CYCLING.]

---

"So Yarrowclaw's crazy now?" Cobaltchaser gulped, settling deeper into her nest.

"Cobaltchaser!" Lightningrunner whined, sneering. "You can't call your Clanmates crazy!"

"That's what she sounds like," Cobaltchaser pointed out. "I'm not insulting her. Some cats are crazy. They can't control it."

"Maybe we don't call anyone crazy," Anchovystrike sighed, cheek on the edge of his nest.

By the time Anchovystrike and his patrol came back to camp with Yarrowclaw, nearly half the Clan had left the celebration at the beach, wondering just what they were up to. Weevilsight's tall lettuce helped soothe Yarrowclaw, so she didn't enter camp yowling and crying, but everyone could tell she was in a fragile state. Paleseed and Spikecrash kept the Clan back until Sandhollow and Weevilsight settled Yarrowclaw in the medicine den. Anchovystrike had Mosspounce and Lemmy to thank afterward; the whole Clan was about to pry Anchovystrike for an explanation, but the moment Mosspounce spoke with his mate, Lemmy pushed everyone away, reminding them the value of a cat's privacy. That didn't mean cats like Cobaltchaser and Lightningrunner didn't try to ask later, as the entire camp relaxed after the party and settled down within the warm summer night.

"He's her brother, mouse-brain," Lightningrunner huffed. "He doesn't have to tell us the whole story. Yarrowclaw's going through a hard enough time without us getting in her business."

"At least one of you gets it," Anchovystrike said, getting up. "I think storytime is over, anyway." Anchovystrike crept through the maze of nests that made up the warrior's den. Most cats were already in their nests, getting ready to sleep. Anchovystrike tried not to look at Yarrowclaw's empty nest. He failed.

Outside the den, only a few cats remained out. Downstar and Oilstripe spoke with Spikecrash by the Shiprock while Billowhaze sat with Currentsmoke and Estherfern outside the medicine den. Wolfgaze and Mosspounce shared tongues outside the warrior's den and perked up when Anchovystrike stepped out.

"How are you feeling?" Wolfgaze asked softly.

"Like my sister just tried to kill herself," Anchovystrike chuckled wetly. Mosspounce set his head against Anchovystrike's shoulder, pouring his sympathy into him. "The nap helped, at least. I'll have to thank Lemmy for giving me some room to breathe."

"If it helps," Wolfgaze sighed, licking Anchovystrike's ear, "I don't think she realized she could have died."

"Is Billowhaze mad I didn't bring him with us?" Anchovystrike asked.

"It's bad enough you had to see that," Mosspounce huffed. "If that was Trumpetspore on the horse-path, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. Billowhaze should be grateful he wasn't there."

"He understood after I talked to him," Wolfgaze said. "Just be with your brothers, Anchovystrike. I can move my nest closer to you tonight, if you want."

"That would help," Anchovystrike sighed, touching noses with Wolfgaze. "I can't thank you enough for your help."

"Yarrowclaw's our friend too," Mosspounce purred, setting his tail on Anchovystrike's back. "We would have helped regardless. Good luck tonight." With that, Mosspounce and Wolfgaze entered the warrior's den, leaving Anchovystrike to face his family head-on.

Currentsmoke spotted Anchovystrike first. He raised his head from his curled position and batted Billowhaze's leg.

"I don't like that I had to hear about Yarrowclaw from someone else, Anchovystrike," Billowhaze huffed. Anchovystrike approached with his head low.

"He sa'ed her," Currentsmoke sighed as Estherfern put her nose in his ear. "Sat's enough."

"All this stress brought Currentsmoke's fever back," Estherfern muttered, shaking her head.

"Oh, so now you're interested in medicine?" Anchovystrike hummed, daring to raise his head.

"I've put my pride aside," Estherfern scoffed. "That's not what you should be focusing on tonight." Billowhaze sighed and cleared space for Anchovystrike to sit between him and Currentsmoke.

"Sandhollow told us that since Yarrowclaw isn't fully of sound mind," Billowhaze sighed, "he's going to keep us informed on Yarrowclaw and what she needs going forward." Anchovystrike nodded softly. He glanced into the medicine den. He could just hear Sandhollow inside, speaking softly with Yarrowclaw. When Sandhollow's blue eyes turned toward him, Anchovystrike quickly looked away. Moments later, Sandhollow stepped outside.

"Spikecrash?" he called softly. Spikecrash turned from her conversation with Downstar and Oilstripe. She bade the leader and deputy farewell and joined her former apprentice beside the three brothers.

"Estherfern," Spikecrash cooed, "we can watch over Currentsmoke if you'd like to nest for the night."

"Here's to a quiet night," Estherfern hummed, nodding to the mediators. She nodded to each of the three toms beside her before she slipped around Sandhollow and into the medicine den. Sandhollow and Spikecrash sat with their backs to the medicine den, as though shielding Anchovystrike and his brothers from what laid within.

"First things first," Sandhollow explained, "Yarrowclaw's safe and resting. She probably won't sleep tonight with her mania, but she'll at least stay in the medicine den. Even if she doesn't plan on staying, Spikecrash has asked for a caretaker to watch her through the night." Spikecrash nodded along with her apprentice's assessment.

"Mania, what is that?" Anchovystrike asked.

"You could consider it the opposite of depression," Spikecrash sighed. "Rather than feeling low, your emotions are elevated. Everything is more vibrant, more stimulating, your joy and rage and panic are stronger than ever before. We believe these periods of activity Yarrowclaw's had over the last few moons have been manic episodes. When a cat goes through these periods of mania, their emotions crash afterward into depression. We call it day-night cycling. Mania is like the day, bright and burning, while the depression afterward is like the night, gloomy and dark."

"Yarrowclaw is depressed too?" Billowhaze moaned.

"It's not the same for everyone," Sandhollow assured him, shifting a paw closer. "From what we've been able to gather about Yarrowclaw's behavior, she may focus more on the 'day' side of this cycling than the 'night' side."

"What should we know?" Anchovystrike asked. "To keep her safe, I mean."

"For now?" Sandhollow sighed. "Just show her support. We can talk through the specifics another time. This is a lot to process. It's been a long day. You should all rest."

"Honestly, Sandhollow?" Anchovystrike chuckled, focusing on the glow of the medicine den. "I’ve dealt with a lot for a cat my age. This is nothing in comparison. Yarrowclaw’s still the cocky, rough-as-salt molly I know. She’s still the cat I have fun with. She’s just got a few extra traits now. Right?"

"Exactly," Spikecrash purred.

"We still want to see her though," Billowhaze said. "You said she's awake."

"She isn't utterly delusional anymore," Sandhollow groaned, ears tilting back, "but she isn't recovered."

"Currentsmoke's sleeping in the medicine den, he'll get to see her," Billowhaze pointed out, his paw almost smacking Currentsmoke. "Just let us in for a little bit."

"It's best not to fight them on this, Sandhollow," Spikecrash cautioned, rubbing her tail along Sandhollow's back. "You three can see her, but be quiet and don't take long. The clerics are trying to sleep, and Wolverineheart has an ear infection they're monitoring." Billowhaze helped Currentsmoke to his paws. Anchovystrike touched noses with the mediators, but his mind was already in the medicine den. He led his brothers into the shadows of the ancient wood.

Potterypool sat guard beside Yarrowclaw as Wolverineheart and the clerics settled down to nest. Although Yarrowclaw's eyes drooped, she stayed alert, scratching at the moss in her nest. Someone groomed the dust and snarls out of her pelt and lined her nest with lavender. Billowhaze escorted Currentsmoke into his nest beside Yarrowclaw. Currentsmoke's paw hooked the edge of Yarrowclaw's nest as he stared at his sister. Anchovystrike loafed in front of Yarrowclaw, with Billowhaze sitting beside him.

"Potterypool won't let me leave," Yarrowclaw muttered, glaring at her guard.

"Do you want me to disobey Sandhollow?" Potterypool sighed, giving her charge nary a side-eye. "I'm not going on trial for letting something happen to you."

"You really scared me, Yarrowclaw," Anchovystrike whispered, paws itching underneath him.

"I was going to cure Currentsmoke… I think," Yarrowclaw sighed. She rubbed her face, groaning, "I don't really remember all of it. There were horses… or maybe that was my heart. I feel like I'm the middle of a battlefield."

"You were trying to break your jaw," Anchovystrike muttered. Some of the day's panic crawled back up his throat. "You were talking to Robinkit."

"I didn't actually see him," Yarrowclaw mumbled, putting her head on the nest's edge. "I was so sure he was there, though. Ugh, I just want to hunt! I feel like I'm on fire. I don't like talking this much, I'm not saying anything. But I can't move, so I have to, I have to keep talking so I don't burn away, everything's going too fast. I feel like I'm dying. I don't think I can die."

"You can die, Yarrowclaw," Billowhaze huffed. "You don't have powers, you're not a cleric, you can't perform any rituals. You're just you."

"I want it to stop," Yarrowclaw gulped. "I want to rest, but I'm on fire. I want to bite my pelt off, get it out, but Potterypool stops me."

"And she should, you know," Anchovystrike said. He scooted closer to Yarrowclaw.

"I do," Yarrowclaw whined. "I do know, somewhere. I'm dying. I want it to stop. I want to fix something, anything. Sandhollow wants me to sleep, and I want to sleep so badly, but I can't. Everyone's dying, and I can't stop it." Yarrowclaw's unsheathed claws hooked around her muzzle. Billowhaze moved them off. Currentsmoke stretched until his paw rested on top of Yarrowclaw's.

"I'll 'e here for yuh," Currentsmoke said, trying to purr. "I'll fight with yuh."

"We all will," Anchovystrike promised. He set his nose on Yarrowclaw's head and prayed to Robinkit, to Harvest, to any StarClan soul who wandered around him, that his sister realized that.

(Cobaltchaser: 14, female, codekeeper, righteous, good cook, prey cleaner)

(Lightningrunner: 14, female, historian, nervous, explorer, helpful insight)

(Anchovystrike: 19, male, warrior, playful, deep StarClan bond)

(Wolfgaze: 19, female, codekeeper, thoughful, connection to StarClan, great speaker)

(Mosspounce: 45, male, caretaker, adventurous, talented fire-starter)

(Billowhaze: 19, male, historian, loyal, good kit-sitter)

(Currentsmoke: 19, male, caretaker, loving, good climber, skilled toolsmith)

(Estherfern: 118, female, cleric, bloodthirsty, great mediator, prophecy seeker)

(Sandhollow: 15, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Spikecrash: 59, female, mediator, wise, good speaker, lore keeper)

(Potterypool: 19, female, caretaker, sneaky, great singer)

(Yarrowclaw: 19, female, warrior, cold, talented fire-starter)

Considering her great teaching skills, Moontide decides to join Thundergale and Shrewpaw as a teacher, further validating Thundergale's ambitious experiment.

[Image ID: Shrewpaw and Thundergale proudly watch Moontide.]

(Moontide: 19, female, teacher, playful, excellent teacher)

(Thundergale: 16, female, teacher, adventurous, good hunter, great speaker)

(Shrewpaw: 8, male, teacher apprentice, competitive, never sits still)

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 76

A dog-cat makes its appearance in the territories, one of many spirits that have appeared thanks to Estherfern. With Wolfpaw there to freeze the Spirit of Shadow, the battle patrol takes it down, but Mosspounce is bruised and Downstar breaks her leg.

[Image ID: Wolfpaw, Downstar, Mosspounce, Waspdawn, Scaleripple, and Moonpaw head off to battle. Downstar yowls "Stay together!" Under Downstar, it says + CONDITION: BROKEN BONE. Under Mosspounce, it says + CONDITION: BRUISES. Under Moonpaw, it says LEVEL UP! FAITHFUL → PLAYFUL.]

(Wolfpaw: 11, female, codekeeper apprentice, thoughtful, curious about StarClan, confident with words)

(Downstar: 135, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Mosspounce: 37, male, caretaker, adventurous, talented fire-starter)

(Waspdawn: 42, male, codekeeper, strict, learner of lore, clue finder)

(Scaleripple: 29, male, warrior, lonesome, formidable fighter)

(Moonpaw: 11, female, warrior apprentice, playful, quick to help)

Tallowheart and Slushtrail earn their names.

[Image ID: Tallowheart and Slushtrail are adults! Under Tallowheart, it says LEVEL UP! TALLOWPAW → TALLOWHEART, SPLASHES IN PUDDLES → GOOD SWIMMER. Under Slushtrail, it says LEVEL UP! SLUSHPAW → SLUSHTRAIL, QUICK WITTED → CLEVER, BATS AT STRING → TALENTED WEAVER.]

(Tallowheart: 12, male, historian, nervous, good swimmer)

(Slushtrail: 12, female, mediator, wise, talented weaver, clever)

Lightningpaw feels Weedfoot beside her as she and Cobaltpaw are apprenticed to Tallowheart and Lemmy. Lemmy agrees to train two apprentices since there are no more codekeepers for Cobaltpaw. Vervainpaw is left unhappy with sharing a mentor.

[Image ID: Vervainpaw watches Lightningpaw and Cobaltpaw become apprentices. Under Lightningpaw, it says LEVEL UP! LIGHTNINGKIT → LIGHTNINGPAW, SELF-CONSCIOUS → INSECURE. Under Cobaltpaw, it says LEVEL UP! COBALTKIT → COBALTPAW, QUIET → LOYAL. Under Vervainpaw, it says LEVEL UP! AMBITIOUS → BLOODTHIRSTY.]

(Lightningpaw: 6, female, historian apprentice, insecure, always wandering)

(Cobaltpaw: 6, female, codekeeper apprentice, loyal, loves to eat)

(Vervainpaw: 11, female, codekeeper apprentice, bloodthirsty, loves nature, quick to make peace)

Having snuck away from Puddlewhisper, Silverpaw finds an abandoned human den she didn’t remember seeing before. It takes her too long to figure out the den is secretly a honeybite’s mouth. The Clan never finds her body.

[Image ID: Silverpaw approaches a red bush with white eyes inside.]

(Silverpaw: 11, female, codekeeper apprentice, strict, always asking questions, quick witted)

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 81

Sandhollow and Brightreed join their littermates in the warrior’s den.

[Image ID: Sandhollow and Brightreed are graduated adults. Under Sandhollow, it reads LEVEL UP! SANDPAW → SANDHOLLOW, LOYAL → AMBITIOUS, INTERESTED IN CLAN HISTORY → LORE KEEPER. Under Brightreed, it says LEVEL UP! BRIGHTPAW → BRIGHTREED, LONESOME → RIGHTEOUS, LOVER OF ART → STUDENT OF ART.]

Even though spring had officially arrived, snow still covered RippleClan camp as the Clan gathered under the Shiprock. It stood out like paint on gray stone in the dark of late dusk. It dampened the cheers that reverberated around the clearing, capturing the new names of the two toms standing beside Downstar.

"Brightreed! Sandhollow! Brightreed! Sandhollow!"

Sandhollow politely licked Downstar's shoulder and stood tall beside her while his family and friends cheered him on. Spikecrash preened beside her mother, her proud gaze warming Sandhollow's pelt. While Yellowburst was stuck in quarantine, Waspdawn and Stormjump still cheered Sandhollow on, tails high. Bandages still wrapped around Brightreed's shoulders, covering the hunting dog's vicious bite, but he was more than healthy enough to stand before the Clan and accept his name.

"Alright, Brightreed," Wolverineheart laughed, charging out of the crowd and nudging her brother. "Time for your vigil! We suffered, now you suffer!" Brightreed glanced back at Sandhollow while Wolverineheart led him to the camp entrance. Ha! Like Sandhollow would do anything to help him out. He was a mediator. He had no vigil to attend. Sandhollow stood even taller as the newly named warrior left camp.

"Enjoy the warrior's den, Sandhollow," Downstar declared with a deep nod. She slunk into the crowd, which now faded out to finish the day and prepare the Clan to nest. Cats touched noses with Sandhollow, passing along their personal congratulations as they returned to their business. Waspdawn and Stormjump squirmed through the crowd.

"We built your nest next to Yellowburst and I," Stormjump chirped, rubbing against her brother. "I think Spikecrash and Slushtrail worked on your gift. Let's see what they made!"

"Tomorrow, we'll do something fun together," Waspdawn promised, touching his son's forehead. "Whatever you'd like. Consider it a father and son day."

"Alright, Dad," Sandhollow purred. "I love you!" Sandhollow waved his tail goodbye and headed for the warrior's den, Stormjump stuck to his side.

"We're stuck against the rock wall," Stormjump explained as Sandhollow peered inside. It still felt like he was doing something forbidden as his paws found empty spaces between the thick, well-loved nests. His memories found him back in the apprentice's den, setting up his new nest surrounded by the other apprentices, trying not to let his kithood crush on Thundergale show. Speaking of Thundergale, she and Clammask tidied an untouched nest further back along the rock wall. Brightreed's nest, no doubt.

Stormjump tilted her brother's head toward his new nest. Duck down peeked from the curling moss. A small clay rattle sat like an egg in a bird's nest. Sandhollow purred and picked the rattle up. Sand shifted inside. It sounded like the ocean. He chuckled and placed the rattle at the edge of his nest. He settled into the down and moss and gently batted the rattle between his paws.

"I have to fix the clerics' oven," Stormjump said, drooping as she glanced outside. "One of the stones cracked, and Oilstripe assigned me to find a solution before I go to sleep. Sorry we can't lounge around for a while, Sandhollow! Enjoy the new nest, though. I'm glad you're with us." Sandhollow bid his sister farewell with a soft flick of his tail. The rolling sand inside the rattle soothed the joy smashing through his blood. He purred and scooted deeper into the nest.

As Thundergale and Clammask finished with Brightreed's nest and left the den, Sandhollow found himself almost entirely alone. For a moment, the den didn't seem like the warrior's den. It felt more like the apprentice's den had over the last moon, with Brightreed in the medicine den and Cobaltpaw and Lightningpaw busy with patrols. Luckily, he was almost alone, not entirely. Yarrowclaw laid in her nest near the far back of the den, facing the wall.

"Yarrowclaw," Sandhollow called. "You missed my ceremony! I'm Sandhollow now."

"Good for you," Yarrowclaw yawned, rolling over. Her dead eye stared blankly at Sandhollow, her good eye pressed into the moss.

"I'm not very tired yet," Sandhollow admitted, giving his gift another playful smack. "Want to share tongues for a bit?" Yarrowclaw purred. A flick of her ear invited Sandhollow closer. The newly named mediator crept around his Clanmates' nests. He had to sit in Anchovystrike's nest in order to groom Yarrowclaw. Yarrowclaw sat up with a soft groan and moved closer to Sandhollow. Sandhollow raked his tongue along Yarrowclaw's coarse pelt. Sandhollow's tongue caught tangle after tangle, easing them straight with a few focused licks.

"Too busy to clean yourself lately?" Sandhollow hummed as Yarrowclaw bit an itch on her leg.

"I guess so," Yarrowclaw huffed. "I went on a lot of patrols."

"Avoiding Currentsmoke?" Sandhollow guessed. Yarrowclaw's brother hadn't left the medicine den since Yarrowclaw brought Currentsmoke into camp a few days prior, face crunched and bleeding. Yarrowclaw groomed Sandhollow's shoulder rather than answer. "We have four clerics looking after him. If there's any chance he might survive, he'll survive."

"Truthfully, Sandhollow?" Yarrowclaw grunted as she groomed. "That entire day is a blur. Lately, I've gone on so many patrols, the days started blending into one another."

"No wonder you're so tired," Sandhollow chuckled. "You're probably exhausted. You're not the only warrior in the Clan, though."

"I know that," Yarrowclaw huffed, pulling back. "It's just hard to sit still lately. I wake up, and there's so much I need to do."

"If you need time to rest," Sandhollow reminded her, puffing his chest out a bit, "I am a mediator now. I can tell Downstar and Oilstripe to let you off patrols for a couple of days. Considering how much you've done lately, I don't think they'll mind."

"I think I need that," Yarrowclaw admitted, laying back down. "StarClan, for a while there, it felt like I could do anything. I think Anchovystrike was right. I am too much of an overachiever."

"I'm the same way," Sandhollow promised, touching noses with Yarrowclaw. "Tomorrow, you should join me in the nursery! Splashtuft and I are telling this grand story about Clan history to Shrewkit, help him decide what he wants to train as. You're welcome to sit and listen."

"If I fall asleep, don't blame me," Yarrowclaw scoffed.

"Considering Shrewkit's attention span?" Sandhollow laughed. "I don't think you'll be alone in that."

(Sandhollow: 12, male, mediator, ambitious, lore keeper)

(Brightreed: 13, male, warrior, righteous, student of art)

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Wolverineheart: 13, female, warrior, troublesome, student of science)

(Stormjump: 12, female, caretaker, charismatic, incredible cook)

(Yarrowclaw: 16, female, warrior, cold, talented fire-starter)

RippleClan, WheatClan, AshClan, and LynxClan discuss SlugClan.

[Image ID: Downstar meets with Ospreystar, Gentlestar, and Eelstar.]

---

WheatClan agreed to escort Downstar and her entourage through WheatClan territory rather than along the border with SlugClan. It simply wasn't safe, especially with a group their size. Downstar picked Wolverineheart, Thundergale, Lemmy, Splashtuft, and Lavendertwist to accompany her to her meeting at the Leader's Stone. With SlugClan's recent behavior, a patrol that size could have been considered a war party.

Downstar's patrol met with Gentlestar and her warriors at the border. The two groups melded together, with both leaders at the front. Spring frost melted under their paws as they crossed through WheatClan's more open land. Sunhigh slowed their progress as everyone ached for their nests, but a tiring time like that was perfect for such a secretive meeting. The warriors muttered amongst themselves, sharing recent news about SlugClan.

"Weevilsight's tail looks awful. How could they do that to a cleric?"

"Who knows what's going through Gorgestar's mind lately."

"He's so apologetic after attacking Honeybuzz and Venturedapple, but doesn't even bother to show up to the Gathering after Weevilsight's attack? I thought Gorgestar was supposed to be a kind leader."

"He's the oldest leader now. Maybe age has changed him."

"My mother became a different cat after she became an elder. By the time she died, I barely recognized her."

"So what, he's old so now he's evil?"

"That's an oversimplification. Gorgestar could have a reason for changing his border policy."

"That doesn't excuse attacking two clerics."

"I know that! Don't act like RippleClan's the only one they've been aggressive towards. Try sharing a border with them. We've gotten into, what, three border skirmishes with them in the last two moons? That's not to mention all the encounters that didn't end with fangs flying."

"All of you, that's enough," Gentlestar called back to the two patrols. "We're working together, not against each other. I don't want to hear another word until we're at the Leader's Stone."

"Yes, Gentlestar," the WheatClan patrol muttered, bowing their heads.

"That applies to RippleClan as well," Downstar noted. Lavendertwist groaned. but Lemmy smacked the back of his head and shut him up.

The path to the Leader's Stone was easier in WheatClan territory. With fewer trees to navigate around and less threat of catching your paw in some muddy crevice, the two Clans arrived faster than Downstar had ever managed on a typical trip to the Leader's Stone. Even when she was in SlugClan, it took a Gathering patrol longer to reach the festivities.

The Leader's Stone seemed harsh and dull in the light bursting through the thin, hazy clouds. Without the usual light of a fire or the joyful chatter of celebrating warriors, the entire clearing had an air of mourning to it. Unsurprisingly, LynxClan was already there when WheatClan and RippleClan arrived. Ospreystar paced around the Leader's Stone. Bandages wrapped around his front leg.

"Ospreystar," Downstar called. Ospreystar pulled himself from his thoughts. He and his entourage focused on the arriving patrol. Downstar and Gentlestar joined the youngest leader by the Leader's Stone. "What happened to your leg?"

"A bite from an eager SlugClan apprentice," Ospreystar sighed, showing off his wound. "Their mentor insisted they didn't know who they were attacking, but I don't think I believe them."

"This is getting ridiculous," Gentlestar huffed, shaking her head. "We have our conflicts, but border aggression typically makes sense. We see the reasons demonstrated at Gatherings. But we're getting conflicting reports from Gorgestar and his warriors."

"We'll figure out a solution," Downstar promised, climbing onto the Leader's Stone. "We've brought along some of our smartest historians and codekeepers. We should find the best way forward if we all discuss the situation."

"Speaking of historians and codekeepers," Ospreystar said, glancing back at Downstar's entourage, "those two are neither, if I recall." Wolverineheart and Thundergale sat with two LynxClan codekeepers, with Wolverineheart signing for her sister.

"I told you about Thundergale at the last Gathering, remember?" Downstar sighed. "Thundergale is experimenting with a new role devoted to teaching her Clanmates. I wanted her to come along and understand the advisory aspect of the historian role. Wolverineheart offered to accompany her and interpret our conversation, as Thundergale is partially deaf."

"Yes, the 'teacher' role, as you call it," Gentlestar hummed. "If you believe Thundergale could add something to our conversation, I'm happy to have her. I'm curious how this experiment will go."

"So am I," Ospreystar sighed, "but let's get back to the topic of the day."

"I hope you weren't planning to start without me!" Eelstar marched into the clearing, furless paws shining with melted frost. His patrol of codekeepers and historians followed behind, heads held high.

"Just getting our bearings, Eelstar," Downstar promised her gray-furred counterpart. "Did you have any trouble on your way here?"

"We followed the river around SlugClan and down along the LynxClan border," Eelstar explained. "Gorgestar shouldn't find out we passed through."

"Then let's begin," Downstar sighed. She flicked her tail high and called, "You all know why we're here. SlugClan's recent unchecked aggression along their borders has resulted in unfair attacks on all four of our Clans. SlugClan warriors have attacked two of my clerics, one of them on the night of the half moon meeting."

"SlugClan's not getting away with attacking my brother!" Splashtuft yowled. The codekeepers around him hissed, silencing his fervor.

"No, no they will not," Downstar declared. "SlugClan's recent behavior will not go unchecked, for the good of us all." Downstar jumped off the Leader's Stone and sat among her fellow leaders. "Now let's figure out the best way to confront Gorgestar and stop this madness before it kills someone."

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Lavendertwist: 47, male, historian, playful, great singer, good storyteller)

(Lemmy: 57, female, codekeeper, cold, deep StarClan bond, good mediator)

(Wolverineheart: 13, female, warrior, troublesome, student of science)

(Thundergale: 13, female, teacher, adventurous, great hunter, good speaker)

(Splashtuft: 29, male, historian, adventurous, fast runner, student of art)

The four Clans send a war patrol to SlugClan.

[Image ID: Downstar and Puddlewhisper approach Gorgestar, who says "Downdapple, there you are." Under Puddlewhisper, it reads LEVEL UP! NATURAL INTUITION → KEEN EYE.]

---

Downstar won the right to lead the war patrol. Sure, the other three Clans had their fair share of skirmishes with SlugClan, but none had been as insulted as RippleClan. SlugClan's attacks against two clerics could not go unanswered. Downstar picked her most trusted codekeepers and warriors (Puddlewhisper, Waspdawn, Rapidleaf, Halibutdusk, Scaleripple, and Leathermask) and set off for SlugClan two days after the secret meeting.

They chose the dead of night for their assault. The chosen warriors could better ration their energy throughout the day, and there would be a few less warriors in SlugClan's camp upon arrival. Winter's chill still dug its claws into the land, frost coating everything living in a cocoon. It was the work of an Autumnfrost, those new spirits born of Autumnstar's Shardlings, Downstar was certain of it. They were mocking Downstar, rejoicing in her newfound warlust. What they didn't know was that there was no lust for war in Downstar's heart. Necessity drove her paws through the frost that night.

When Downstar stepped across the SlugClan border, she stepped across time. The weight of dozens of moons faded like snow melting across the territories. For a moment, she was Downdapple, a young caretaker, exploring her home with Fennelspot at her side, pulled into whatever hijinks Downdapple had planned for the day. A youthful vigor stirred her muscles as the smell of her kithood home filled her senses. Yet a wave consumed Downstar's nostalgia with a sickening reminder; she would be leading a war patrol into SlugClan's camp, the place she had been born, where she held vigil for her mother, her father, her littermates. She prayed their spirits would forgive her.

"I can smell AshClan's patrol," Puddlewhisper noted as they trailed along the SlugClan border. "They'll be at the meeting place before us." Downstar nodded, her thoughts too focused on the past to fully take in Puddlewhisper's report.

The four Clans decided to meet in a large dip along the SlugClan border. More than a few cats found themselves tumbling into the dip on their way to Gatherings, so everyone would know of it. Warriors from WheatClan, AshClan, and LynxClan were already waiting for RippleClan within the dip. It was a sizable group, able to match SlugClan's numbers. Oh StarClan, why was this the solution? The RippleClan war patrol merged with the other Clans as Downstar stood at the lip of the dip.

"Your leaders have all agreed," Downstar said, voice low and caught within the dip, "that for tonight, for this mission, you are to treat me as your leader, regardless of your Clan. As such, I expect everyone to follow my commands. Under no circumstance is any warrior to target the nursery. You'll answer to me if any harm comes to a kit during this attack. Allow noncombatants to leave camp freely, we are not taking prisoners."

"They attacked your clerics," an AshClan warrior hissed. "They attacked one of our artisans. Why shouldn't we attack theirs?"

"Because we are following the code," Downstar snapped, fur bristling. "Our four Clans have allied with each other because SlugClan's behavior has broken our code again and again. We are not going to return codebreaking with codebreaking. We are going to find Gorgestar and force him to Warriors… follow me." Downstar marched past the SlugClan border and deep into the territory itself. The war patrol climbed out of the dip and slunk after her, each Clan putting their unique training to use.

Still water pooled throughout SlugClan territory; leftovers from spring showers and runoff from the Great Northern River, forming thick, permanent puddles and tiny ponds. Downstar could almost hear the slugs and snails worming along the muddy shores and along the giant protruding roots. Downstar jumped from root to root, avoiding the algae-filled water. She hoped the other warriors were wise enough to know about leeches. How many times did Downstar go back to SlugClan camp as an apprentice with those disgusting creatures sucking on her legs? At least RippleClan copied their leader, following her path through the territory.

Downstar's mediators and artisans had been to SlugClan's camp since the founding of RippleClan; they often visited for trade and diplomacy's sake. Yet Downstar herself had not seen her birthplace since she set off with her fellow founders. How would it look now? How would Downstar's memories, her glories and tragedies, melt into the battle yet to come?

"Downstar!" a LynxClan codekeeper hissed from the back of the patrol. "I saw movement, racing past us. I think a patrol's seen us."

"That was bound to happen eventually," Halibutdusk muttered.

"Then we move quickly," Downstar huffed. She jumped off a buldging root and let her memories carry her to SlugClan's camp. The paws of her war patrol thundered behind her.

Thorn bushes marked out the walls of SlugClan's camp. Two willows, only just showing signs of spring growth, sheltered the Clan, with one standing amongst the thorny walls and another blossoming from the camp's heart. The nearly full moon danced through the fuzzy tendrils of the willow trees, dappling the area. Downstar could already hear warning yowls ring out inside the camp, stirring the sleeping warriors. The warriors on guard arched their backs, eyes darting about for signs of the incoming swarm.

Scaleripple and Leathermask lunged past Downstar. They tackled the two guards, spinning into one another. Two WheatClan warriors followed suit, pinning the guards down. With a flick of her tail, Downstar and her patrol stormed into SlugClan's camp.

If it weren't for the well-formed walls, it wouldn't have been strange to assume SlugClan's camp was just another part of the forest. All their artisan tools and ovens were hidden in a small grove away from the main part of camp, leaving just the giant willow tree and a series of thick bushes visible. The camp was too crowded for even a fire to warm the warriors through the night. Each bush marked the entrance to one of SlugClan's many dens, with the warrior's den right near the camp entrance. This meant, as Downstar and her war patrol breached the safety of SlugClan's camp, a horde of warriors met them before they got a tail-length in.

"Gorgestar!" Downstar yowled as her claws dug into a SlugClan caretaker. This particular caretaker was a bulky mass, shoving Downstar back into the swarm of intruding warriors. An AshClan codekeeper helped Downstar up and lunged at the offending caretaker. Downstar couldn't help but laugh; had she ever imagined an AshClan cat helping her in battle?

The tendrils of the willow tree that formed part of the camp wall shook. Waspdawn's gray eyes beamed from the branches. He, Puddlewhisper, and the rest of the AshClan warriors launched from the willow, landing on the SlugClan warriors. Tufts of fur flew across the clearing. The war patrol streaked around Downstar, finding the closest SlugClan scent and digging into their pelts. The queens scrambled out of the nursery, standing guard in front of their beloved kits. Elders who still had fire burning in their pelts stalked toward the chaos, daring the intruders to strike. Young, skinny warriors ushered mediators and artisans across camp. None of them were important to Downstar, not that night. No, her focus rested on the thick bush at the base of the central willow. The leader's den.

Downstar pounced on a SlugClan warrior. She tore into his ear, just as one of SlugClan's ranks had ripped into Honeybuzz. The warrior threw his head forward, flipping Downstar onto her back. Downstar's back paws slashed at the warrior's belly. The warrior yowled, stumbling back, giving Downstar enough time to get back on her paws. Her patrol tumbled and caterwauled across the camp, pinning down any SlugClan warrior they could get their claws on. One of the mediators burst from the procession of retreating noncombatants—Voleflake, that was his name, he was the go-to mediator to visit RippleClan—and raced into Gorgestar's den. Fine. Having a mediator during this confrontation would be better. There wasn't a hair on Downstar's pelt that wanted to draw blood from her old friend.

Downstar ran for the leader's den. She jumped over Waspdawn and a SlugClan codekeeper, teeth buried deep into one another. Downstar was just a few tail-lengths from the den. A pale gray blur slammed into Downstar's side. The tortoiseshell leader stumbled, but stayed on her feet. A pale gray tabby tom sneered at her with glistening green eyes. The huge scar along his chest, an infamous mark from a roaming wolverine, identified the muscular tom as Lettucecloud, the deputy of SlugClan.

"Downstar, why are you doing this?" Lettucecloud yowled, claws bracing for Downstar to pounce. "Why would you attack us?"

"Why would we attack you?" Downstar spat. "Why would you attack us? SlugClan has been out of control, Lettucecloud! I can't let you maul my clerics and go unpunished."

"Clerics?" Lettucecloud snapped, rearing back. "As in more than one? I only know about Honeybuzz."

"Weevilsight—" Downstar hissed, but a screeching mass of lilac fur smacked into her face. A long-furred SlugClan warrior pinned Downstar into the frosty ground.

"Carvingfur, we are talking!" Lettucecloud yowled. The warrior, Carvingfur, froze with a paw raised to claw at Downstar's eyes.

"Well forgive me for fighting an intruder," Carvingfur hissed.

"You've been attacking everyone you see by the border!" Downstar yowled. She shoved Carvingfur off, loosing a chunk of fur in the process. "You've mauled noncombatants! You tried to kill Weevilsight at StarClan's Shrine!" Lettucecloud's eyes bulged. Downstar stood tall, keeping an ear pricked for another would-be attacker.

"Call off your patrol," he gulped. "Stop the fight. We need to talk."

"You…" Downstar muttered, her ears ringing from the battle cries around her. "You don't know what I'm talking about." Downstar scurried up the central willow. She jumped onto the lowest sturdy branch and yowled, "Warriors! Halt! Halt!" Lettucecloud hurried up the tree beside Downstar. He yowled as loud as his lungs could manage. Slowly, the bloody warriors filling SlugClan's camp slowed in their bloodshed. Waspdawn hacked out another cat's blood and fur. Scaleripple and Leathermask limped into camp, covered in scratches and bruises. A SlugClan historian stepped off Halibutdusk. Warriors slipped on melting frost, which diluted the blood dripping from long claw marks. All eyes turned to the central willow.

"Give Downstar and I a moment to talk!" Lettucecloud yowled. "We… we will resolve this peacefully." Outrage tore through the warriors. SlugClan warriors hissed and batted at their camp's intruders, while the war patrol demanded SlugClan's heads.

"Remember why we came here!" Downstar snapped. "We've made SlugClan listen. We will draw no more blood tonight. I expect the codekeepers in our ranks to keep the peace. Puddlewhisper, with me."

Downstar's war patrol crept to one side of the camp, licking their wounds. The two clerics of SlugClan hurried to their Clanmates, sniffing their pelts for serious wounds. Codekeepers and the cooler heads of the war patrol held back vengeful warriors with a few curt words. Puddlewhisper slipped around the grumbling cats and scaled the willow. She eyed Lettucecloud closely and sat beside her leader.

"What's going on, Lettucecloud?" Downstar sighed.

"I have a theory," Lettucecloud sighed, staring down at the leader's den. Downstar suddenly realized that despite the chaos of the battle, Gorgestar had not shown his face since the war patrol's arrival. Sure, he couldn't fight, but he should have at least confronted Downstar.

"Start with why you attacked our clerics," Puddlewhisper huffed.

"One of your patrols told us they had orders to increase their aggression at the border," Downstar said. "Did Gorgestar give those orders?"

"He must have," Lettucecloud admitted. "I thought I stopped it after the incident with Honeybuzz. Gorgestar must have encouraged our warriors behind my back."

"You're trying to say your warriors got into skirmishes and you never knew of them?" Puddlewhisper said with a less-than-convinced sneer.

"In a cruel twist of fate," Downstar chuckled with a sad shake of her head, "that's the most believable part of this story. Gorgestar loves to handle patrol duties, he was that way when I was a caretaker here." Downstar's battle hardiness returned as she set her face and continued, "The rest of what you're saying, now that is less than believable. Gorgestar is a just leader who has always sought peace along his borders. He wouldn't change overnight." Lettucecloud's ears sunk low. He jumped out of the willow, in front of the leader's den. Downstar and Puddlewhisper followed him down.

"Talk to him yourself," Lettucecloud muttered. "You'll understand then." Lettucecloud peered into the leader's den and said, "Voleflake, Downstar and her codekeeper are coming in. They don't mean Gorgestar any harm." With that, Lettucecloud stepped back, giving the mollies room to enter.

The last time Downstar saw Gorgestar's den, she had been bidding her Clan farewell, preparing to take the lead over RippleClan and start a new story for the Clans. The cocky youth that still stirred in Downstar's chest laughed at the den's simplicity; the shipwreck and the overturned human basket Downstar nested in were far superior. Gorgestar's nest was the only thing of note within the bushy den, pressed against the trunk of the central willow. Voleflake sat beside the nest, whiskers twitching rapidly as he watched the two leaders meet. Gorgestar himself stood in his nest, trying to slide himself into his sled. Moss tore from his nest and collected on his motionless hind legs. He muttered something unintelligible, sparing nary a glance toward Downstar and Puddlewhisper.

"Gorgestar?" Downstar called. Gorgestar jolted from his work, eyes glazed. It took him a moment to settle on Downstar. The tension in his neck relaxed and his entire face softened.

"Downdapple, there you are," Gorgestar sighed. "What's the situation out there? Who attacked us?" Dread dripped down Downstar's throat and drowned her voice. "It was Autumnstar, wasn't it? Who else would come into camp like this?"

"They're gone, Gorgestar," Voleflake promised, touching his nose to Gorgestar's shoulder. "Down… Downdapple is just making sure you're alright." Voleflake's long, tense stare clued the two RippleClan mollies in.

"Yes, yes, of course," Gorgestar muttered. "You're a devoted caretaker, Downdapple, even if you turn a few of my hairs gray." He chuckled as he shuffled himself into his sled. "Tie me in, Downdapple. I should address the Clan, check on our warriors."

"Fennelspot is taking care of everything," Downstar said quickly, hurrying to Gorgestar's side. "He wants to focus on his work. Maybe you can address SlugClan once he's finished?"

"Clever molly," Gorgestar chuckled. His eyes caught on Puddlewhisper, who still lingered near the entrance. "Downdapple, I didn't realize, I should have known you wouldn't stumble in here without cause. We have a prisoner! Puddlespeckle, isn't it?" Puddlewhisper suddenly seemed too big for her pelt. "Good work, Downdapple. Make sure the codekeepers keep a close eye on this tom."

"I'll take care of the prisoner right now," Downstar said, backing up. "I just wanted to check on you." Downstar brushed against Puddlewhisper, easing the unnerved codekeeper out of the leader's den. "Don't strain yourself… sir." Downstar escorted Puddlewhisper out of the den before she could face more of Gorgestar's delusions.

"I've had a few cats misgender me in my life," Puddlewhisper groaned as they rejoined Lettucecloud outside, "but somehow, that was the worst." SlugClan glared at Downstar and Puddlewhisper, but most were too busy licking their wounds to speak up. Downstar's patrol tried to approach her, but Waspdawn and the other codekeepers kept them at bay.

"You'll have to forgive Gorgestar," Lettucecloud insisted in a soft voice. "His mind is caught in the past. It's anyone's guess what he'll think is real. He's been like this for some time now. It was managable for a while, at least I thought."

"He shouldn't be leader," Downstar growled, the fog of shock and grief fading. "He should have retired as soon as his mind began to fade. Surely your clerics and mediators would agree."

"He only has one life left," Lettucecloud sighed, lowering himself before the furious leader (much to the shagrin of Lettucecloud's Clanmates). "I've taken over most of his duties and keep him comfortable. I didn't want to disgrace his legacy by forcing him into the elder's den. How would it have looked to the other Clans? Do you think Eelstar, Gentlestar, or Ospreystar would respect my leadership if I ousted my predecessor?"

"He's been organizing patrols behind your back," Puddlewhisper huffed. "I've heard how age can cripple the mind, make one paranoid. StarClan knows what he's been telling his Clan, Downstar."

"It stops tonight," Lettucecloud declared. "I'm calling together a vote to officially remove Gorgestar from leadership. If I had realized what he was having SlugClan do, I would have ousted him moons ago, Downstar."

"You let your sentimentality endanger your Clan and mine," Downstar growled, ears and tail high as she spoke. "I speak for the other four Clans when I say this. When you come to the Gathering in a few days, I expect to be calling you Lettucestar. We will not tolerate any more skirmishes along your borders. It's up to you to keep your Clan in check, Lettucecloud, or the other leaders will do your job for you." Downstar looked back into the leader's den. Voleflake spoke softly to Gorgestar, but the paralyzed leader's eyes were far away.

Truthfully, the war patrol could only be called a success, Downstar knew that. But somehow, it would have been better if Gorgestar had some secret plan for Downstar to thwart. She couldn't thwart her old friend's mind.

All Downstar could do was grieve.

(Downstar: 140, female, leader, wise, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Puddlewhisper: 47, trans female, thoughtful, keen eye, ghost sense)

(Halibutdusk: 73, nonbinary (they/them), gloomy, masterful storyteller, clever)

(Scaleripple: 34, male, warrior, lonesome, formidable fighter)

(Leathermask: 29, male, warrior, nervous, good fighter, eloquent speaker)

(Waspdawn: 47, male, codekeeper, strict, learner of lore, clue finder)